How does Serge Lutens stack up against some of the top niche brands?

I've been reading a lot about the Serge Lutens house on this site for a long time and was wondering how they are in comparison to some of the other houses, such as, Amouage, Profumum Roma, Clive Christian, Creed, etc. I sampled Arabie and Five O'Clock Au Gingembre but just didn't get what the hype was about. It wasn't necessarily bad, but sort of smelled very "old" and sappy resinous. What am I missing? Are the ingredients and materials of the same quality as the others mentioned?

Re: How does Serge Lutens stack up against some of the top niche brands?

Quality is difficult to define, but no matter what the criteria (ingredients, longevity, complexity), SL is on par if not superior to all the houses you mention. After that, of course, it is a matter of taste. SL tend to be rich, orientalizing, saturated, with typical notes of cedary woods, candied fruit, and spices. 5 o'clock is one of the lightest. Typical ones would be Ambre Sultan (spicy amber) and Feminite de bois (sweet woods).

Re: How does Serge Lutens stack up against some of the top niche brands?

Originally Posted by cacio

SL tend to be rich, orientalizing, saturated, with typical notes of cedary woods, candied fruit, and spices. 5 o'clock is one of the lightest. Typical ones would be Ambre Sultan (spicy amber) and Feminite de bois (sweet woods).

cacio

Yes, I experienced that with Arabie; very rich and sweet. Almost like syrup.

Re: How does Serge Lutens stack up against some of the top niche brands?

No harm if they're not your cup of tea; I personally don't get the hype around Clive Christian or Creed. They just don't do it for me. Many Lutens fragrances have a particular style, and maybe it's just not your thing.

Re: How does Serge Lutens stack up against some of the top niche brands?

It's definitely my favorite house, since their frags really are what I really search: they're complex, tell histories, are strong and always present an outstanding quality. I own 20 SLs (and waiting for more 5 to arrive) and all of them are top in my wardrobe.

Re: How does Serge Lutens stack up against some of the top niche brands?

It is what it is- I cant say I have ever compared them to other houses because when it comes down to it, you either like them or you don't. In terms of quality and ingredients, they're definitely up there and have carved out their own 'niche'. Rarely have I come across a non- fan, complaining of the quality, price, brand aesthetic or craftsmanship. It usually comes down to personal taste or lack of affinity with the brand style.

I don't think they are deserving of being stacked against top niche brands. I mean, they are one of the top niche brands.

I'm an avid Lutens fan, yet I don't care for Arabie, nor am I particularly drawn to 5 O'Clock Gingembre either. But I can appreciate them for what they are and understand why others may love them.
Luckily there are 50+ other scents in the line that I can knock myself out with.

Re: How does Serge Lutens stack up against some of the top niche brands?

Originally Posted by cacio

Quality is difficult to define, but no matter what the criteria (ingredients, longevity, complexity), SL is on par if not superior to all the houses you mention. After that, of course, it is a matter of taste. SL tend to be rich, orientalizing, saturated, with typical notes of cedary woods, candied fruit, and spices. 5 o'clock is one of the lightest. Typical ones would be Ambre Sultan (spicy amber) and Feminite de bois (sweet woods).

cacio

Agree.

One of favourite houses of all time, probably second (behind Dior). They're fragrances are rich, complex, sophisticated and invigorating. They are usually really thick and full of spices, dried fruits etc as mentioned above and can be linear if they want or incredibly complex. They're fragrances are a representation of how a scent can be an art, it depicts an image, very few houses, let alone scents can do that. They are above the houses named in the original post, maybe tied with Amouage. Fantastic house.

Re: How does Serge Lutens stack up against some of the top niche brands?

The SL line is one of my favorites, but you have to be prepared for what the line brings to you. The ones that stand out to me don't tend to be "nice" they're bold, loud, and speak they're mind.

A lot of people know them for their syrupy scents, which there are quite a few. The line is quite large and diverse, so you have to take into consideration what you're looking for in it. To me, there are a handful of them that are absolutely top notch, but at the same time there are one's that don't strike me as anything special.

As with any line this big, you'll most likely find some that are hits or misses. I personally don't like Arabie or 5 o'clock, but there are at least 12 that I love, and 6 or so that I couldn't be without.

Re: How does Serge Lutens stack up against some of the top niche brands?

I have asked Roja this same question,
He told me that SL ingredients are cheaper than
those in Xerjoff for examples,
But who cares?
There are some magical SL offerings
Vetiver oriental is just too good.